Saturday, December 3, 2011

Homemade Christmas Ornament #2 Primitive Angels

These little prim angels are a family favorite. They're fast and easy and as yo can see from the examples above, I make them up with what I have on hand. Who doesn't love using up leftovers?
To make these little angels, I just draw a pattern for the muslin heads and gunny sack bodies on paper, cut out 20 sets at a time, and sew in an assembly line.Head- The head pattern shapes were made by drawing a skinny triangle about 5" long and 2" wide at its base. I shape the top (head) area by rounding and softening it's shape, so it looks like a head and has an obvious neck. I add a 1/4" seam allowance, sew in an assembly line, turn them out and stuff them with leftover polyfil. I whip-stitch the bottoms closed. It will be stuffed into the body "sack" later.Body- To make the body sack, I just estimate how long and wide I want the body to be and add a 1/4 seam allowance to the rectangle. I just measured one and it's about 5" tall and 4' wide at its base including seam allowances. I sew up both sides and the base, but leave the top open and I do not finish top edges, I want them rough. Turn. Add a bit of stuffing if you like. Handsew a running stitch along top about 3/8" from edge and insert head. Draw thread taught and knot it closed. I always a add a few more stitches to lock head into body sack. Wings- As you can see, I use what I have. Raffia, wired ribbon, hammered copper, whatever medium available. I attach them either with wire, hot glue, or strong thread, depending on the medium.Hair- I have used doll hair, raffia, cut up wire brillo pads in the past.Face- I use Pigma micron thin waterproof pens to draw faces. They never run. I also use old cosmetics ie: cheek color and a Q-tip to apply cheek color to angels.Embellishments- I add cute buttons, ribbons, bells, bows. I run a pearl cotton thread through head for tree hanger. They can be scented with cinnamon oil or clove oil too. Enjoy!